A third of drivers avoid parking in their local town or city centre because parking restrictions are unclear, research has found, while 41 per cent say they find signs confusing.

It’s no secret the British high street has struggled in recent years as people choose to shop online or at out-of-town retail parks, often to avoid the problem of parking. Earlier in the month, figures showed high street footfall was down by 0.9 per cent in the last year.

A study by Churchill Car Insurance found 22 per cent of motorists have been fined or had their vehicle clamped or towed in the past two years, largely as result of not understanding the parking restrictions.

Motoring madness: Many people avoid the high street because of parking problems, a study shows

The cost of penalties varies significantly, but can range from £60 for a parking fine to thousands of pounds to recover an impounded vehicle.

More than a quarter of motorists say some areas
near their home have multiple restrictions in place on the same
street. Almost a third feel some signs in their local authority do not
clearly indicate which area they refer to.

One in 10 drivers even avoid street parking in their own residential area because the parking restrictions are too confusing.

Steve Barrett, head of Churchill Car Insurance, said: ‘It’s the driver’s responsibility to check which parking restrictions are in operation in a particular area.

‘However, when there are multiple restrictions in operation on a single street, it can result in motorists being confused and unintentionally parking illegally, incurring fines that could have been avoided.

‘The best advice is to be as vigilant for signs as possible and never assume if you’re unsure. If drivers are still unsure, they should avoid parking in the area and report the sign to the local council.

‘If you do receive a ticket or penalty you think is unfair, take photographs of where your car is parked and of the parking signs in the vicinity to help build your case for appeal.’

Following the story about fewer shoppers on the high street earlier in the month, the comments section was awash with readers stating that high parking charges and confusing restrictions are the main culprit for town centre struggles.

Roger, from Bookham, said: 'Just got back from shopping trip to Guildford and it cost me £11 to park for just over 4 hours. Guess who won't be shopping in Guildford so often?'

Terry, from Surrey, said: 'People shop out of town, because of the council imposed parking fees, and excessive parking restrictions in towns and town centres.'

Clamped! Many drivers find parking restrictions confusing, with 22% facing a fine in the last two months as a result

London is nightmare parking spot of Britain

Almost half of all motorists in London admit they avoid parking in the city centre – significantly more than any other region in the UK. The North West and East of England complete the top three.

In London, 61 per cent of drivers have
been fined, clamped or had their vehicle towed in the past two years due
to parking sign confusion – nearly 40 per cent higher than any other region. The study questioned more than 2,000 motorists.